Logitech SmartDock Simplifies the Skype for Business Meeting Room Experience

Logitech announces Logitech SmartDock, an AV meeting room solution designed in collaboration with Microsoft. Logitech SmartDock works with Skype for Business and qualified devices, including Logitech ConferenceCams, to provide a seamless, user-friendly touch-screen console to launch and manage video calls in any meeting space - from the huddle room to the large conference room.

With Logitech SmartDock, people can start meetings on time with one-touch join, then instantly project to the display in the room and share to remote participants via their Skype for Business clients on a smartphone or laptop. The Skype Room System also includes the ability to place or join an audio-only call. Now with the new Skype for Business meeting experience, users can leave their laptops behind, walk into a SmartDock-equipped conference room, and work together as if they were in the same room.

“Logitech is very proud to partner with Skype for Business to deliver high-quality, easy-to-use devices. The new product, The Logitech SmartDock solution provides a premiere audio and video conferencing experience,” said Ashok Jangra, Logitech, Cluster Category Head - India & SWA. “The launch of Logitech SmartDock is aimed at popularizing Video calling for offices in India. The Logitech SmartDock, Skype for Business enables all users to connect and start video calls with one touch. The all new solution also offers a Skype Room System-certified solution that creates a seamless video conferencing experience. Now sharing content in a meeting, and streamline the overall collaboration experience becomes easy for all.”

“Enterprises and individuals are today using Skype for Business for all of their daily communications needs, from phone calls to rich video meetings. As a key part of Office 365, Skype for Business enhances collaboration across office and business boundaries,” said Zig Serafin, corporate vice president of Skype for Business at Microsoft. “We are excited to see Logitech provide the first next-generation Skype Room Systems solution that brings our customers a low-cost, high-quality, consistent Skype for Business experience to every meeting space.”

“Together, Logitech and Skype for Business are modernizing the meeting experience with a simple-to-use and affordable collaboration solution that works with your existing display or projectors,” said Roopam Jain, industry director of Unified Communications and Collaboration, Frost & Sullivan. “One of the reasons video isn’t more widely deployed in conference rooms is because it’s traditionally been too complex. Microsoft and Logitech are simplifying the meeting experience, which should ultimately help drive greater video adoption.”

Logitech SmartDock offers HDMI input and output, three USB 3.1 ports and gigabit Ethernet, allowing a variety of Skype Room Systems-certified devices to be connected, including Logitech ConferenceCams. In addition, a power-saving sensor conveniently activates the Logitech SmartDock when motion is detected in the meeting space, and automatically turns the display off when the room is empty.

Sharing content via HDMI is also a breeze with 1080p 60fps input and capture, bringing any collaboration experience to life. The optional Logitech SmartDock Extender Box with a single five-meter cable integrating HDMI, USB, LAN and power creates a clutter-free environment, clears extraneous cables from the conference table, and eliminates the need for a separate hub or power brick. With a pivoting, cast-metal base, the dock secures the tablet into place and a combination of tamper-resistant screws and a Kensington® lock help ensure that the tablet is always ready for any meeting.

Pricing and Availability
Logitech SmartDock will be available through authorized distributors in India from February, 2017. SmartDock has an MSRP of INR 69,995/- and will be sold as part of a Skype Room System package. The SmartDock Extender Box has an MSRP of INR 29,995/-. Sample Skype Room System packages include:

● Base Package: Includes Logitech SmartDock and a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 loaded with Skype Room Systems software.
● Huddle Room Package with Audio and Video Capabilities: Includes Base Package and Logitech ConferenceCam CONNECT.
● Large Room Package with Audio and Video Capabilities: Includes Base Package with Extender Box, and Logitech GROUP with two expansion mics.